book witchery
As a book editor and writing coach, I've always believed in the power of words and the magic they can weave within the pages of a manuscript. Over the years, I've honed my craft, sharpened my editorial skills, and helped countless authors polish their stories to perfection. Yet, as the literary landscape evolves and creativity demands deeper exploration, I've made a decision that might raise a few eyebrows among traditionalists: I'm bringing my knowledge of more esoteric practices such as tarot readings, rituals, and meditation into my editing work (for those who wish to engage with it).
It's not about mysticism or superstition; it's about tapping into deeper layers of creativity and understanding. Writing isn’t just about getting your grammar right and hitting your plot points—it's a holistic art form. The best writing anyone can do occurs when they drop into their intuition, connect with the essence of their story, and come to meet their characters on a profound level. That’s the key to bringing out the true potential hidden within the narrative.
Tarot Readings: Unlocking Symbolism and Themes
Tarot readings, with their rich symbolism and archetypal imagery, offer a unique lens through which to view a manuscript. Each card represents different aspects of human experience and emotion, mirroring the complexities of characters and plot dynamics. By laying out the cards, I can uncover hidden themes, unresolved conflicts, or untapped potential in the storyline. It's a tool for intuitive insight, guiding me to ask the right questions and delve deeper into the heart of a writer’s unique challenges.
Rituals: Setting Intentions and Clearing Blocks
Rituals, whether they involve lighting candles, burning sage, or simply setting aside dedicated time, create a sacred space for creativity to flourish. They're not about mystique; they're about mindfulness and intentionality. Before my authors dive into a revision, I often encourage them to perform a ritual to clear their mind, center their focus, and invite inspiration to flow freely. I want them to set a different tone when they sit down to revise. They’re not going back to the drawing board. They’re not back at square one. Revising is its own sacred process. What’s more, being comfortable with ritual is in itself a gift. It's a practice that fosters discipline and respect for the creative process.
Meditation: Meeting Characters and Exploring Inner Worlds
Meditation is another transformative practice in my editorial toolkit for writers. Through guided meditations, I can help authors step into the shoes of their characters, inhabit previously unexamined or unrealized elements of their perspectives, and understand their motivations with empathy and depth. It's a journey into the subconscious realms of storytelling, where insights arise effortlessly and solutions to narrative puzzles reveal themselves naturally. As an added bonus, by quieting the chatter of the mind, meditation allows writers to listen deeply to their intuition and write or revise toward the highest, most authentic version of their manuscript.
Embracing the Whole Story
Incorporating esoteric tools into my editing and coaching practice isn't about replacing traditional methods; it's about enriching them. It's about recognizing that storytelling is a holistic endeavor that encompasses logic and intuition, structure and spirit. By embracing these practices, I'm committing to a more profound engagement with the manuscripts I edit and honoring the diverse ways in which creativity manifests.
Whether it's tarot for symbolism, rituals for intention setting, or meditation for deep listening, these practices offer a pathway to deeper creativity and more authentic storytelling, I encourage an open-minded exploration of tools beyond the conventional for all creatives. Ultimately, my goal as an editor is to serve the story—to help it shine brighter, resonate deeper, and connect more profoundly with readers.
If you’d like to book a Book Witchery session, you may do so here. Together, let's weave stories that captivate, inspire, and transform—guided by intuition, enriched by tradition, and illuminated by the power of words.
Here's to the next chapter of storytelling magic.
